LDU Quito - Manta

Ecuador Serie A, Primera Etapa

LDU didn't 'enjoy' the best start of the season, so they need to start recovering points as soon as possible, if they don't want to lose contact with early leaders Deportivo Quito. Only 4 points after the first 3 matches is not enough for the champions, who are gunning to protect their title in 2011, so to lose points again today (at home, against one of the poorer teams in the league) is unacceptable. The fact that LDU has defensive problems since the start of the season (Araujo and Caicedo are long-term injuries) certainly didn't help them, but also didn't count too much, as they only conceded 2 goals. Today, they will also add defender Guagua to the unavailable list, but again, if the midfield and the attack work, that shouldn't be a problem. And the attack is expected to work better today, as out-of-form striker Carlos Luna is out with an injury, and his place will be taken by LDU's main striker, Hernan Barcos, who has fully recovered from his injury. Manta might have had a good start, but all their points came against the smaller teams (won with Imbabura and drew with Manta and Barcelona), while their only lost match came away at powerhouse Deportivo Quito. Don't see how they will stand a chance in Casa Blanca, against a LDU desperate to recover their form. LDU have won all the matches played at home against Manta, and only 2 times in 6 matches have they failed to win by more than 1 goal. This should be another win for LDU, an easy one, but still, Manta is a team capable of scoring, and with so many defensive absences for Liga, the score line could be closer than expected. Therefore, the over 2.5 seems a much better choice. GL!

over 2.5 goals @ 1.89, 3/10

Result: 5-0, WON